The underground world is a largely unseen universe of fungi, bacteria, and protozoa, all intermingling to carry out processes that are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. The precise function of many of these organisms is still largely unknown, but scientists are gradually unraveling this subterranean web. As it turns out, symbiotic relationships dominate the vast activity that takes place within the soil. At the center of it all lies ubiquitous fungi. The symbiotic relationships between fungi and other organisms is one of the most crucial components of understanding the complex fabric of the underground world.
Fungi: An Ecosystem Essesntial
Most plants cannot exist without interaction with fungi on some level. Turn over any log and there will be some fuzzy-looking growth that resembles a cobweb. This is called mycelium — the mother fungus from which a mushroom fruits. In any healthy ecosystem, mycelium spreads far and wide in virtually all soil, sometimes for thousands of acres. This network of mycelium connects the roots of many species of plants and trees to create underground symbiotic relationships that tether entire forests together.
The reason for this is many-fold. Firstly, because the mycelium is mobile, it connects to the roots for access to sugars that are broken down and excreted by the host plant. In turn, the fungi stretches out to bring in more nutrients than the plant can reach by itself. Additionally, this allows the plant to grow larger and stronger at a more accelerated rate. Plants with a fungal ally also grow to be more resilient to pest infestations and disease than those without.
Fungi & Creatures
Certain insects, snails, and slugs intentionally cultivate specific strands of fungi for food and protection. Ants and termites construct their nests with mycelium. This is because certain fungi have specific anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties protect against infestation from other more hostile and parasitic invaders. They also feed their larvae the mycelium. Snails and slugs even cultivate specific fungus for food. They partially eat and defecate on certain grasses. They come back to them a few days later where their preferred fungus is now growing for a more palatable and nutritious meal.
For thousands of years, people have regarded mushrooms as mysterious and undesirable, depending upon whom you speak to. It is only recently that scientists have started to understand the complex implications of fungi for the rest of the underground world. These symbiotic relationships, and others as yet undiscovered, are so crucial to our planet and all that is within. Without them, life here would be less adapted, less evolved, and less complex without its essential fungi.
Featured Image from Andrew Ridley/Unsplash
